Strangers: The unforgettable crime thriller from the #1 bestseller

I'm not usually into these cop caper tales but the idea of PC LucyClayburn going undercover to try and track a female serial killer,seemed a bit different, so I gave it a whirl.And I wasn't disappointed.I found it easy to get right into Lucy's character, as she was so ultrakeen to do well after her awful start.The action was well set and believable.And there's an interesting surprise near the end, which I wouldn't dreamof mentioning here.Just go and enjoy this nicely paced little thriller, and at the end youwill feel nicely entertained.

How I quantify my scoring system, based on functionality, price, enjoyability and longevity:Five stars: completely exceeded my expectations and would highly recommendedFour stars: better than expected and would probably recommendedThree stars: met my expectations with no hidden surprises or shocksTwo stars: below my expectations and probably wouldn't recommendOne star: completely below my expectations and certainly wouldn't recommendHaving been a Paul Finch fan for years, I eagerly pre-ordered this and have only just finished it. And to be perfectly honest... it's nothing particularly special. Apart from a new heroine, this might as well be a Heck book it's so formulaic from Finch's earlier works. Endless chases by a superhuman protagonist along with overly descriptive settings that made me skip entire paragraphs - it's all in here padding out the page count.I've read all Finch's novels in order since first discovering him a few years ago but it pains me to say he's an author on a slippery slope with diminishing returns. I'd like to see something truly new, not just a new hero/heroine treading identical paths. It's not as dull as Dead Man Walking but nowhere near the heady heights of Stalkers and Sacrifice. Were this a movie it would be The Transporter episode Six only now without Jason Statham as the highly enjoyable but utterly brainless lead...Overall, it's simply average and I've come to expect more from a once very enjoyable author.

Paul Finch writes with credibility and great aplomb in this authentic crime novel featuring Lucy Claybourn, a cop brilliantly flawed as well as magnificent. She takes her career to the depths and brings it back up with sheer guts and determination. She’s Xena warrior, but no princess. She earns her badge but it doesn’t come easy. She’s certainly inspirational as she tackles her job, the villians, and her personal life in the same gutsy way. There’s secrets, hers that she is to unwittingly uncover, and those of others that she is tenacious is uncovering. She’s someone I would certainly want on my side.The themes in this book don’t shy away from the grimy darkness that lie on our streets, but you may want to take a torch with you when you walk them alone … I was seriously sitting on the edge of my seat as I rapidly turned the last hundred and fifty pages.Lucy Claybourn is a cop that I look forward to reading again and I eagerly await her career developments. More, please, Mr Finch!

Paul Finch is my no.1 author for crime fiction, he never disappoints. From the first line I can't put down the book, I have to get to the end. The twists and turns along the way are exciting and due to his knowledge a real insight to the workings of crime. This was my first read that wasn't a Heck crime, and it managed to be different. The characters maybe I don't know, maybe a female lead, whatever it was, another fantastic read. A must read for crime fiction fans.

I have read all of Pauls books so was looking forward to this one but.....the main character Lucy is a bit too gung ho and gets into all sorts of scrapes more akin to a super ninja than an ordinary copper. Decent enough read but annoying as some of the places were fictitious and some real places but no proper research done. I live in that area and it was annoying when she says they turned north when they went south and then described a two lane road which is always chock full of cars as an open road. Niggles apart it was ok and I will be buying his next...but much prefer the Heck Heckenburg series.

Oh dear Paul Finch , Im three quarters into this book and Im afraid Im having to leave it for a while , not because I don't like it its because its that good that I'm a bit scared to go any further at the moment , I'll wait until I pluck up the courage and continue... big fan of Pauls but hope the books don't get much creepier than this ,saying that I bet your into the next let's freak everyone out book already haha

As a massive fan of Paul's Heck books I was excited to get stuck into this one. A demoted detective (Lucy) back as a pc ends up involved in the hunt for a serial killing female. She is hunting men...and likes to keep a trophy. Lucy soon ends up heading deeper into the search and will do whatever it takes to impress. She is pushed to the limits and it is a very thrilling ride. There was a twist I saw coming a mile off sadly but a very good book indeed. More Lucy and Heck please.

Another good book from this author who never fails to deliver an absorbing read. PC Lucy Clayburn is truly something of a maverick (cut from the same cloth as Peter Finch's other character DS Mark Heckenberg) and tends to ignore police protocol getting herself in trouble with senior officers and also into difficult situations.Whilst some of the story line is rather predictable it is still fast moving and well worth the money.I hope to read more of PC Lucy Clayburn's exploits in the future.AnOn